Audio media streaming device

ABSTRACT

According to an aspect, an apparatus may include a media streaming device including electronic circuitry configured to receive media content wirelessly from a media content source, and an audio output cord segment having a first end portion configured to be coupled to an audio input port of the media streaming device, and a second end portion configured to be coupled to an audio rendering device, where the electronic circuitry is further configured to transmit audio content through the audio output cord segment to the audio rendering device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/397,236, filed Apr. 29, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/848,005, filed Sep. 8, 2015, each of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Streaming media devices are used to stream content onto a receivingdevice. In some examples, a streaming media device may be plugged orcoupled into a connector on a receiving device. Then, a device executingan application may provide video and/or audio content to the mediastreaming device, which is then provided to the receiving device forrendering. However, designing a media streaming device that providesgood performance while being simple to install and use is a difficultand challenging task.

SUMMARY

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

According to an aspect, an apparatus may include a media streamingdevice including electronic circuitry configured to receive mediacontent wirelessly from a media content source, and an output cordsegment having a first end portion integrally coupled to a structure ofthe media streaming device, and a second end portion configured to becoupled to a receiving device, where the electronic circuitry is furtherconfigured to transmit the received media content through the outputcord segment to the receiving device. The apparatus may include a powercord segment having a first end portion configured to be coupled to themedia streaming device, and a second end portion configured to becoupled to a power source.

The apparatus may include one or more of the following features (or anycombination thereof). When the second end portion of the output cordsegment is coupled to the receiving device, the output cord segment mayinclude one or more bent portions. The output cord segment may includeone or more materials defining a rigidity such that the output cordsegment is configured to maintain a distance between the receivingdevice and the media streaming device when the output cord segment iscoupled to the receiving device, where the distance is greater than onehalf of a length of the output cord segment. The power cord segment mayhave a length greater than a length of the output cord segment. Theoutput cord segment may have a width greater than a width of the powercord segment. The structure of the media streaming device may besubstantially cylindrical. The first end portion of the output cordsegment may define a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS)connector, and the second end portion of the output cord segment maydefine a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector. Themedia streaming device may include a top enclosure assembly, a printedcircuit board assembly with integrated circuits on both sides, and abottom enclosure assembly, where the LVDS connector is coupled to theprinted circuit board assembly. The power cord segment may include auniversal serial bus (USB) cord having a USB connector on the second endportion and a micro-USB connector on the first end portion. The secondend portion of the output cord segment may include a magnet configuredto be magnetically coupled to the media streaming device. The mediastreaming device may be configured to provide video content from themedia content source to the receiving device.

According to an aspect, an apparatus may include a media streamingdevice having electronic circuitry configured to receive media contentwirelessly from a media content source. The media streaming device mayinclude a printed circuit board assembly, and define a micro universalserial bus (USB) slot configured to receive a micro USB connector. Theapparatus may include an output cord segment having a first end portionfixedly coupled to the media streaming device, and a second end portionconfigured to be coupled to a receiving device, where the electroniccircuitry is further configured to transmit the received media contentthrough the output cord segment to the receiving device. The first endportion may define a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS)connector, and the LVDS connector may be coupled to the printed circuitboard assembly. The apparatus may include a power cord segment having afirst end portion defining the micro USB connector configured to becoupled to the media streaming device via the micro USB slot, the powercord segment having a second end portion configured to be coupled to apower source, where the output cord segment includes one or morematerials defining a rigidity above a threshold value relative to aweight of the media streaming device, and the output cord segment isconfigured to position the media streaming device a distance away from asurface of the receiving device.

The apparatus may include one or more of the above or below features (orany combination thereof). The output cord segment may have a length in arange of 90-120 millimeters (mm). The media streaming device may have asubstantially cylindrical shape with a diameter in a range of 45-55millimeters (mm). The media streaming device may include a top enclosureassembly and a bottom enclosure assembly, where the printed circuitboard assembly is disposed between the top enclosure assembly and thebottom enclosure assembly. The printed circuit board assembly mayinclude a plurality of integrated circuits including a first integratedcircuit and a second integrated circuit disposed on a same side of theprinted circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly mayhave a two-layer shield covering the plurality of integrated circuits,and the two-layer shield includes an internal frame with a shield wallseparating the first integrated circuit and the second integratedcircuit. The two-layer shield may include a cover shield coupled to theinternal frame. The second end portion of the output cord segment maydefine a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector.

According to an aspect, an apparatus may include a media streamingdevice having electronic circuitry configured to receive media contentwirelessly from a media content source, and the media streaming devicemay include a housing enclosing a printed circuit board assembly. Thehousing of the media streaming device may define a connector slotconfigured to receive a connector of a power cord segment. The mediastreaming device may include an output cord segment having a first endportion fixedly coupled to the printed circuit board assembly of themedia streaming device, and a second end portion configured to becoupled to a receiving device, where the electronic circuitry is furtherconfigured to transmit the received media content through the outputcord segment to the receiving device. The output cord segment may have alength and rigidity such that the output cord segment is configured tomaintain a distance between the receiving device and the media streamingdevice, where the length of the output cord segment is less than alength of a display screen of the media streaming device, and thedistance is equal to or greater than one half of the length of theoutput cord segment.

The apparatus may include one or more of the above or below features (orany combination thereof). The output cord segment may include amemory-shape material. The first end portion of the output cord segmentmay include a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) connector, wherethe LVDS connector is disposed inside the housing of the media streamingdevice.

According to an aspect, an apparatus may include a media streamingdevice including electronic circuitry configured to receive mediacontent wirelessly from a media content source, and an audio output cordsegment having a first end portion configured to be coupled to an audioinput port of the media streaming device, and a second end portionconfigured to be coupled to an audio rendering device, where theelectronic circuitry is further configured to transmit audio contentthrough the audio output cord segment to the audio rendering device.

The apparatus may include one or more of the above or below features (orany combination thereof). The apparatus may include a power cord segmenthaving a first end portion configured to be coupled to the mediastreaming device, and a second end portion configured to be coupled to apower source. The first end portion may be removably coupled to theaudio input port of the media streaming device. The audio output cordsegment may include a digital cord segment. The audio output cordsegment may include an analog cord segment. A structure of the mediastreaming device may be substantially cylindrical. The media streamingdevice may include a top enclosure assembly, a printed circuit boardassembly having a substrate with integrated circuits on a first surfaceand a second surface of the substrate, and a bottom enclosure assembly,where the top enclosure assembly is coupled to the bottom enclosureassembly via fasteners. A system on chip (SOC) may be disposed on thefirst surface of the substrate of the printed circuit board assembly,and an audio output circuit may be disposed on the second surface of thesubstrate of the printed circuit board assembly. The media streamingdevice may define a micro-USB connector configured to receive amicro-USB connector of a power cord segment.

According to an aspect, an apparatus may include a media streamingdevice including electronic circuitry configured to receive mediacontent wirelessly from a media content source. The media streamingdevice may have a printed circuit board assembly. The media streamingdevice may define a micro universal serial bus (USB) slot configured toreceive a micro USB connector. The apparatus may include an audio outputcord segment having a first end portion configured to be coupled to anaudio input port of the media streaming device, and a second end portionconfigured to be coupled to an audio rendering device, where theelectronic circuitry is further configured to transmit audio contentthrough the audio output cord segment to the audio rendering device. Theapparatus may include a power cord segment having a first end portiondefining the micro USB connector configured to be coupled to the mediastreaming device via the micro USB slot, where the power cord segmenthas a second end portion configured to be coupled to a power source.

The apparatus may include one or more of the above or below features (orany combination thereof). The media streaming device may have asubstantially cylindrical shape with a diameter in a range of 45-55millimeters (mm). The media streaming device may include a top enclosureassembly and a bottom enclosure assembly, where the printed circuitboard assembly is disposed between the top enclosure assembly and thebottom enclosure assembly. The printed circuit board assembly mayinclude a plurality of integrated circuits including a first integratedcircuit and a second integrated circuit disposed on a same surface of asubstrate of the printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuitboard assembly may have a two-layer shield covering the plurality ofintegrated circuits, where the two-layer shield includes an internalframe with a shield wall separating the first integrated circuit and thesecond integrated circuit, and a cover shield coupled to the internalframe. The audio output cord segment may include a digital cord segment.The audio output cord segment may include an analog cord segment.

According to an aspect, an apparatus may include a media streamingdevice including electronic circuitry configured to receive mediacontent wirelessly from a media content source. The apparatus mayinclude an audio output cord segment having a first end portionconfigured to be coupled to an audio input port of the media streamingdevice, and a second end portion configured to be coupled to an audiorendering device, where the electronic circuitry includes an audiooutput circuit configured to detect a type of the audio output cordsegment and format audio content according to the detected type. Theelectronic circuitry may be configured to transmit the formatted audiocontent through the audio output cord segment to the audio renderingdevice.

The apparatus may include one or more of the above or below features (orany combination thereof). The audio output circuit may be configured todetect whether the audio output cord segment is a digital-type cord oran analog-type cord. The audio output circuit may be coupled to asubstrate of the media streaming device. The media streaming device mayhave a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter in a range of45-55 millimeters (mm). The media streaming device may include a topenclosure assembly, a printed circuit board assembly having a substratewith a first surface and a second surface, and a bottom enclosureassembly, where the top enclosure assembly is coupled to the bottomenclosure assembly via fasteners, and the audio output circuit iscoupled to the first surface of the substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for streaming media content according animplementation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a media streaming device configured to stream videocontent according to an implementation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a media streaming device configured to stream audiocontent according to an implementation.

FIG. 4 illustrates a computer module configured to be coupled to adevice via a first cord segment and a power source via a second cordsegment such that the computer module converts the device into anapplication-specific computer according to an implementation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a media streaming device fixedly coupled to a powercord segment and fixedly coupled to an output cord segment according toan implementation.

FIG. 6 illustrates a media streaming device removably coupled to a powercord segment and fixedly coupled to an output cord segment according toan implementation.

FIG. 7 illustrates a media streaming device coupled to an output cordsegment according to an implementation.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the media streaming device ofFIG. 7 according to an implementation.

FIG. 9A illustrates an external surface of the top enclosure assembly ofthe media streaming device according to an implementation.

FIG. 9B illustrates an internal surface of the top enclosure assembly ofthe media streaming device according to an implementation.

FIG. 10A illustrates an external surface of the bottom enclosureassembly of the media streaming device according to an implementation.

FIG. 10B illustrates an internal surface of the bottom enclosureassembly of the media streaming device according to an implementation.

FIG. 11A illustrates the printed circuit board assembly disassembledfrom the bottom enclosure assembly according to an implementation.

FIG. 11B illustrates the printed circuit board assembly assembled withthe bottom enclosure assembly according to an implementation.

FIG. 12A illustrates a top side of the printed circuit board assemblydepicting one layer of a two-layer shield according to animplementation.

FIG. 12B illustrates the top side of the printed circuit board assemblydepicting the other layer of the two-layer shield according to animplementation.

FIG. 13A illustrates a bottom side of the printed circuit board assemblydepicting one layer of a two-layer shield according to animplementation.

FIG. 13B illustrates the bottom side of the printed circuit boardassembly depicting the other layer of the two-layer shield according toan implementation

FIG. 14A illustrates the output cord segment having a connector on afirst end portion of the output cord segment and a connector on thesecond end portion of the output cord segment according to animplementation.

FIG. 14B illustrates an exploded view of the connector on the first endportion of the output cord segment according to an implementation.

FIG. 15A illustrates a perspective of a media streaming device in afolded configuration according to an implementation.

FIG. 15B illustrates a perspective of the media streaming device in anunfolded configuration according to an implementation.

FIG. 15C illustrates another perspective of the media streaming devicein the folded configuration according to an implementation.

FIG. 15D illustrates another perspective of the media streaming devicein the unfolded configuration according to an implementation

FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded view of the media streaming deviceaccording to an implementation.

FIG. 17 illustrates a partially exploded view of the printed circuitboard assembly according to another implementation.

FIG. 18A illustrates a perspective of the bottom enclosure assemblyaccording to an implementation.

FIG. 18B illustrates another perspective of the bottom enclosureassembly according to another implementation.

FIG. 19A illustrates a top view of the printed circuit board assemblyaccording to an implementation.

FIG. 19B illustrates the output cord segment coupled to the printedcircuit board assembly without the shield can according to animplementation.

FIG. 19C illustrates the output cord segment coupled to the printedcircuit board assembly with the shield can according to animplementation.

FIG. 20A illustrates a bottom view of the printed circuit board assemblywithout the shield can according to an implementation.

FIG. 20B illustrates a bottom view of the printed circuit board assemblywith the shield can according to an implementation.

FIG. 21 illustrates an audio streaming device configured to stream audiocontent according to an implementation.

FIG. 22 illustrates an exploded view of the audio streaming deviceaccording to an implementation.

FIG. 23A illustrates a top view of the printed circuit board assemblyaccording to an implementation.

FIG. 23B illustrates a bottom view of the printed circuit board assemblyaccording to an implementation.

FIG. 24A illustrates an external view of the bottom enclosure assemblyaccording to an implementation.

FIG. 24B illustrates an internal view of the bottom enclosure assemblyaccording to another implementation.

FIG. 25A illustrates a top view of the printed circuit board assemblywithout a shield can according to an implementation.

FIG. 25B illustrates a top view of the printed circuit board assemblywith the shield can according to an implementation.

FIG. 26A illustrates a bottom view of the printed circuit board assemblywithout the shield can according to an implementation.

FIG. 26B illustrates a bottom view of the printed circuit board assemblywith the shield can according to an implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a media streaming device suspendedbetween two cord segments, where one cord segment is a cable fortransferring media content over a particular media transfer interface(e.g., a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) output cable oraudio cable), and the other cord segment is a power cord coupled to apower supply (e.g., DC or AC power supply). The media streaming devicemay be small and lightweight such that the media streaming device can besuspended between the two cord segments. In some examples, one or bothof the two cord segments may be flexible yet sufficiently rigid tosuspend the media streaming device. Further, the length of the cordsegments may be designed such that the media streaming device issuspended at a position away from a receiving device in a manner thatminimizes interference or port blocking of adjacent media transferinterface connections at the receiving device and/or far enough awayfrom the receiving device to reduce negative effects on the device'sradio-frequency (RF) performance.

The media streaming device may have a certain size, shape, and weight,and the cord segments may have a certain thickness such that from apoint of view of the user, the overall streaming solution appears as asingle continuation cord with an electronic module integrated within thecord. In some conventional media streaming devices, the connectordirectly extends from a housing of the media streaming device, and theconnector of the media streaming device is plugged directly into theconnector of the receiving device (e.g., a media streaming dongle ormedia streaming stick). In contrast, in various implementations of thepresent disclosure, the cord segment is coupled to the media streamingdevice and the connector is disposed on the end portion of the cordsegment such that the receiving device is connected to the mediastreaming device via the cord segment, and the cord segment has acertain thickness and rigidity in order to suspend the media streamingdevice at a location away from the receiving device. In some examples,one or both of the cord segments may include a memory-shape materialconfigured to maintain a certain shape.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for implementing a streaming solutionaccording an implementation. The system 100 includes a media streamingdevice 102 configured to transfer, over a wireless connection, streamedmedia content from a media content source 106 to a receiving device 104.The receiving device 104 may be any type of device capable of receivingand then rendering audio and/or video content. In some examples, thereceiving device 104 may include or otherwise be connected to a displayscreen capable of displaying the video content. The display screen maybe a liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display, cathode tube, or anytype of display screen technology known to one of ordinary skill in theart. The receiving device 104 may include or be connected to one or morespeakers capable of rendering the audio content. In some examples, thereceiving device 104 may be a television set, standalone display device,tablet, gaming console, or a laptop computer, etc. In some examples, thereceiving device 104 may be an audio device capable of rendering theaudio content (not the video content).

The media streaming device 102 may include a system on chip (SOC) andone or more wireless interfaces having one or more antenna structuresdesigned to wirelessly receive and transmit data. The SOC may be anintegrated circuit that integrates two or more components into a chip,and may contain digital, analog, mixed-signal, and may includeradio-frequency functions. In other examples, the radio-frequencyfunctions may be provided on a separate chip. The media streaming device102 may be configured to stream the media content from the media contentsource 106 to the receiving device 104 over a network 150. The network150 may be any type of public or private communication network such asthe Internet (e.g. Wi-Fi, mobile network, etc.) or short-rangecommunication network (e.g., Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC),etc.). The media content may include video and/or audio data. The mediacontent source 106 may be any type of device capable of providing themedia content. The media content source 106 may be a consumer computingdevice such as a tablet, smartphone, desktop computer, laptop computer,tablet, gaming console, etc. In other examples, the media content source106 may be one or more server devices that host one or more applicationsconfigured to provide the media content over the network 150.

The media streaming device 102 may have a housing 103 configured tohouse the components of the media streaming device 102. The componentsof the media streaming device 102 are further explained with referenceto FIGS. 2 and 3. The housing 103 may be a unitary component or multiplecomponents coupled together. The housing 103 may have a circular,rectangular, or any type of non-circular and/or non-rectangular shape.In some examples, the housing 103 may be cylindrical (e.g., puck shape).

The media streaming device 102 may be coupled to the receiving device104 via an output cord segment 110, and the media streaming device 102may be coupled to a power source 108 via a power cord segment 112. Theoutput cord segment 110 may provide the physical connection between themedia streaming device 102 and the receiving device 104, where the mediacontent is routed from the media streaming device 102 to the receivingdevice 104 via the output cord segment 110. In some examples, the outputcord segment 110 is an HDMI cord segment. In some examples, the outputcord segment 110 is an audio cord segment (digital or analog).

The power cord segment 112 may provide the physical connection betweenthe media streaming device 102 and the power source 108. The powersource 108 may be an AC power source such as an AC wall socket, forexample. In other examples, the power source 108 is a DC power sourcesuch as another computing device. The power cord segment 112 isconfigured to transfer power from the power source 108 to the mediastreaming device 102. In some examples, the power cord segment 112 is auniversal serial bus (USB) power cord. In some examples, the power cordsegment 112 is a USB power and data cord.

The power cord segment 112 may be longer than the output cord segment110. In other examples, the power cord segment 112 is shorter than theoutput cord segment 110. In other examples, the power cord segment 112is the same length as the output cord segment 110. In some examples, thepower cord segment 112 has a larger diameter than the output cordsegment 110. In other examples, the power cord segment 112 has a smalldiameter than output cord segment 110. In other examples, the power cordsegment 112 as the same diameter as the output cord segment 110.

The output cord segment 110 may include one or more materials that areconfigured to transfer audio and/or video content from the mediastreaming device 102 to the receiving device 104. In some examples, theoutput cord segment 110 may include an outer material configured toenclose one or more metal wires. In some examples, the output cordsegment 110 may include a first material that is flexible yet sufficientrigid to suspend the media streaming device 102. In some examples, thefirst material is a polymer-based material. In some examples, the firstmaterial is a memory-shape material. In some examples, the output cordsegment 110 includes one or more memory-shape wires. In some examples,the power cord segment 112 includes a second material that is flexibleyet sufficient rigid to suspend the media streaming device 102. In someexamples, the second material is a polymer-based material. In someexamples, the second material is a memory-shape material. In someexamples, the first material is the same as the second material. Inother examples, the first material is different than the secondmaterial.

The output cord segment 110 may include a first end portion 111configured to be coupled to the housing 103 of the media streamingdevice 102, and a second end portion 113 configured to be coupled to thereceiving device 104. The first end portion 111 may be fixedly coupledto the media streaming device 102. For example, the first end portion111 may be integrally coupled to the housing 103 of the media streamingdevice 102. The first end portion 111 may define a connector configuredto be coupled to a corresponding connector of the media streaming device102. In some examples, the connectors may be contained within thehousing 103 of the media streaming device 102 such that the output cordsegment 110 is integrally coupled to the media streaming device 102. Insome examples, the connector of the first end portion 111 is alow-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) connector. In some examples,the connector of the first end portion 111 is an audio-type connector.The second end portion 113 may be removably coupled to the receivingdevice 104. In some examples, the second end portion 113 may define aHDMI connector to be coupled to a HDMI connector associated with thereceiving device 104. In some examples, the connector of the second endportion 113 is an audio-type connector configured to be coupled to acorresponding connector of the receiving device 104. In some examples,configurations of the output cord segment 110 and associated connectorsare provided in Application No. 62/215,571, filed on Sep. 8, 2015,titled IMPROVED HIGH-DEFINITION MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE (HDMI) CABLEINTEGRATED WITH A MEDIA DEVICE, attorney docket number 0059-210P01, thecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

The power cord segment 112 may include a first end portion 117configured to be coupled to the media streaming device 102, and a secondend portion 119 configured to be coupled to the power source 108. Thefirst end portion 117 of the power cord segment 112 may be removablycoupled to the media streaming device 102. In other examples, the firstend portion 117 of the power cord segment 112 may be fixedly coupled tothe media streaming device 102. In some examples, the first end portion117 of the power cord segment 112 may define a male USB connector to becoupled to a female USB connector on the media streaming device 102. Thesecond end portion 119 of the power cord segment 112 may define a powerplug adaptor to be inserted into a wall socket. In some examples, thesecond end portion 119 may define a USB connector configured to becoupled to a device. In some examples, the second end portion 119 maydefine a USB connector and a power plug adaptor, where the USB connectoris removably coupled to the power plug adaptor. In some examples, theouter housing 103 of the media streaming device 102 may have a tubularshape that is the same or similar to the shape of the output cordsegment 110 and/or the power cord segment 112. In some examples, theouter housing 103 may be larger than the output cord segment 110 and thepower cord segment 112.

The media streaming device 102 may be relatively small and lightweightsuch that the cord segments 110, 112 can suspend the media streamingdevice 102 along the assembled system 100. In some examples, the outputcord segment 110 integrally coupled to the media streaming device 102 issufficiently rigid such that the output cord segment 110 can support themedia streaming device's weight. For example, relative to the weight ofthe media streaming device 102, the material of the output cord segment110 includes one or more properties that make the output cord segment110 flexible yet rigid such that, when assembled, the output cordsegment can support the weight of the media streaming device 102. Insome examples, the output cord segment 110 may include one or morematerials that define an elasticity above a certain threshold, and thatthreshold is chosen relative to the weight of the media streaming device102. For instance, under the load of the media streaming device 102, theoutput cord segment 110 can substantially maintain its shape. The outputcord segment 110 can have a certain non-bendability in the sense that itcan substantially resist deformation in response to the weight of themedia streaming device 102. In some examples, when a force greater thanthe force of the media streaming device 102 is applied to the outputcord segment 110, the output cord segment 110 can bend and hold thatbent shape.

Once assembled, the user may perceive the streaming solution (the mediastreaming device 102 with cord segments 110, 112) as a cable assemblywith a power plug on one end and the output on the other end. Forinstance, when the connector of the output cord segment 110 is coupledto the receiving device 104 and the power cord segment 112 is coupled tothe media streaming device 102 and the power source 108, the mediastreaming device 102 is configured to be suspended at a distance awayfrom the receiving device 104.

The length of the output cord segment 110 may be designed such that itis short enough to remain relatively close to the receiving device 104(e.g., potentially hidden from the user) but long enough to reduce oneor more problems associated with plugging the media streaming device 102directly into the receiving device's port. In some examples, the lengthof the output cord segment 110 may be less than a length of thereceiving device 104. In some examples, the length of the output cordsegment 110 may be less than a length (or width) of a display screen ofthe receiving device 104. Also, the material(s) of the output cordsegment 110 have properties such that when a force is not applied to themedia streaming device 102 (the media streaming device 102 beingintegrally coupled to one end of the output cord segment 110, the otherend of the output cord segment 110 being coupled to the receiving device104), the media streaming device 102 remains a distance from thereceiving device 104 that is more than one half of the length of theoutput cord segment 110. At the same time, the output cord segment 110can be sufficiently flexible to permit the user to bend the output cordsegment 110 to a desired location (e.g., to hide the media streamingdevice 102 or improve the wireless functionality of the media streamingdevice 102).

In some examples, when coupled to the cord segments 110, 112, the mediastreaming device 102 is suspended in air. For instance, when coupled tothe cord segments 110, 112, the media streaming device 102 does notcontact (or otherwise rest) on the ground or another object (includingthe receiving device 104). Rather, the media streaming device 102remains at a position away from the receiving device 104. In someexamples, when the streaming solution is assembled, the output cordsegment 110 bends (thereby creating one or more bend portions) to acertain point such that the media streaming device 102 does not contactany portion of the receiving device 104. In some examples, the outputcord segment 110 includes one or more materials that define a certainrigidity that provide a stiffness (in relation to the media streamingdevice 102). In some examples, the corresponding port (e.g., HDMI port)of the receiving device 104 is located on a lateral side (or the backside) of the receiving device 104, and when the output cord segment 110is coupled to the receiving device 104, the output cord segment 110forces the media streaming device 102 a certain horizontal distance(e.g., more than 50% the length of the output cord segment 110) awayfrom a surface of the receiving device 104. The output cord segment 110can force the media streaming device 102 away from the surface of thereceiving device 104 by not completely bending (e.g., the output cordsegment 110 may slightly bend, but may maintain a certain shape untilthe user put additional force on the output cord segment 110 to move themedia streaming device 102 to another location).

In some examples, the output cord segment 110 includes a bendablematerial, where the output cord segment 110 is configured to hold itsshape (e.g., a moldable material). As such, a user may be able to deformthe output cord segment 110 into a desired position, e.g., hide themedia streaming device 102 from a view of the user, or change theposition of the media streaming device 102 relative to the receivingdevice 104 to increase the RF performance of the media streaming device102 and/or receiving device 104.

As a result, the radio frequency (RF) performance may be improved. Forexample, interference from the receiving device 104 on the wirelesscommunication of the media streaming device 102 may be reduced. Also, byplacing the media streaming device 102 a distance away from thereceiving device 104, adjacent connector ports on the receiving device104 are not blocked by the media streaming device 102. For example, thereceiving device 104 may include multiple ports, and, conventionally,when a device is plugged directly into one of the ports, the device canblock one or more adjacent ports such that other devices are preventedfrom using these adjacent ports.

FIG. 2 illustrates a media streaming device 202 configured to streamvideo content according to an implementation. In some examples, themedia streaming device 202 may include one or more of theabove-described features of the media streaming device 102 of FIG. 1.The media streaming device 202 may include a computer processing unit(CPU) 220 such as any type of general purpose computing circuitry orspecial purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gatearray) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU) 222, random-access memory (RAM) 224, storage 226,and a network interface 228 configured to wirelessly connect the mediastreaming device 202 with the media content source 106 over the network150. The media streaming device 202 may include other components such asone or more batteries, connection interfaces, etc.

The media streaming device 202 may be coupled to a video output cordsegment 210. The video output cord segment 210 may be an HDMI cordsegment fixedly coupled to the media streaming device 202. In otherexamples, the video output cord segment 210 is removably coupled to themedia streaming device 202. The video output cord segment 210 mayinclude a first connector 207 (e.g., an HDMI connector) configured to becoupled to the receiving device 104 of FIG. 1, and a second connector214 (e.g., a LVDS connector) configured to be coupled to the mediastreaming device 202. The media streaming device 202 may be removablycoupled to a power cord segment 212. The power cord segment 212 may be aUSB power cord segment having a first connector 209 to be removablycoupled to the power source 108 of FIG. 1, and a second connector 215configured to be removably coupled to the media streaming device 202.The first connector 209 may be a USB connector, a power plug adaptor, ora USB connector and a power plug adaptor. The second connector 215 maybe a USB connector or a micro-USB connector.

FIG. 3 illustrates a media streaming device 302 configured to streamaudio content according to an implementation. In some examples, themedia streaming device 302 streams the audio content, but not the videocontent. The media streaming device 302 may be considered an audiostreaming device, where networked audio content is seamlessly streamedto a wide variety of existing home speaker systems. In some examples,the media streaming device 302 may receive AC or DC power, provide audiooutput using a common plug format or set of formats, and supportswireless network connectors for control and streaming media data. Theuser may be able to control the media playback on the media streamingdevice 302 through one or more multiple other computing devices that canuse control protocols. Also, the media streaming device 302 may providea minimal user interface for resetting the device or initiating a setupmode, but the majority of the control and interaction may be driven byother devices that communicate with the media streaming device 302wirelessly.

The media streaming device 302 may include a computer processing unit(CPU) 320 such as any type of general purpose computing circuitry orspecial purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gatearray) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), a memory326, a network interface 328 configured to wireless connect the mediastreaming device 302 with the media content source 106 over the network150, and an audio output circuit 330 configured to output the audiocontent to the receiving device 104. The memory 326 may include RAMand/or storage. The media streaming device 302 may include othercomponents such as one or more batteries, connection interfaces, etc.

The media streaming device 302 may be coupled to an audio output cordsegment 310. The audio output cord segment 310 may be fixedly coupled tothe media streaming device 302. In other examples, the audio output cordsegment 310 is removably coupled to the media streaming device 302. Theaudio output cord segment 310 may include a first connector 307configured to be coupled to the receiving device 104 of FIG. 1, and asecond connector 314 configured to be coupled to the media streamingdevice 302. The media streaming device 302 may be removably coupled to apower cord segment 312. The power cord segment 312 may be a USB powercord segment having a first connector 309 to be removably coupled to thepower source 108 of FIG. 1, and a second connector 315 configured to beremovably coupled to the media streaming device 302. The first connector309 may be a USB connector, a power plug adaptor, or a USB connector anda power plug adaptor. The second connector 315 may be a USB connector ora micro-USB connector.

The audio output circuit 330 may be configured to detect which type ofaudio output cord segment 310 is coupled to the media streaming device302. In some examples, the audio output circuit 330 may be configured todetect whether the connected audio output cord segment 310 is adigital-type cord or an analog-type cord. For example, the digital-typecord may be an optical audio cord such as TO SLINK, and the analog-typecord may be an RCA adaptor cord. Depending on the type of cord detected,the audio output circuit 330 is configured to format the audio contentto have the appropriate format corresponding to the detected cord type.For example, when the audio output circuit 330 detects that the audiooutput cord segment 310 is the digital-type cord, the audio outputcircuit 330 formats the audio content to a digital format. When theaudio output circuit 330 detects that the audio output cord segment 310is the analog-type cord, the audio output circuit 330 formats the audiocontent to an analog format. In some examples, the audio output circuit330 may transfer digital audio via optical interface, supply analogaudio via a digital-to-analog converter, and/or supply the audio atvarious voltage levels to address various classes of audio renderingsystems.

FIG. 4 illustrates a computer module 402 configured to be coupled to adevice 404 via a first cord segment 410 and a power source 408 via asecond cord segment 412 such that the computer module 402 converts thedevice 404 into an application-specific computer according to animplementation. The first cord segment 410 may be any of the output cordsegments described with reference to any of the figures. The second cordsegment 412 may be any of the power cord segments described withreference to any of the figures. Also, the computer module 402 mayinclude one or more of the components described with reference to themedia streaming device (video or audio) of any of the figures.

However, more generally, the computer module 402 may include componentsand logic associated with a network-enabled computer such as one or moreprocessors, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, one or morenetwork interfaces, an operating system, and/or one or moreapplications. When coupled to the device 404, the computer module 402converts the device 404 into an application-specific computer capable ofconnecting to the network 150. For example, the device 404 may be alamp, and when the computer module 402 is coupled to the lamp via thefirst cord segment 410, the lamp is converted into a lamp-controlledcomputer configured to be manipulated and controlled in a manner thatwas not possible before. In other examples, the device 404 may be amicrowave, and when the computer module 402 is coupled to the microwavevia the first cord segment 410, the microwave is converted into amicrowave-controlled computer configured to be manipulated andcontrolled in a manner that was not possible before. Beside the lamp andmicrowave examples, the device 404 may be any type of device that can beelectrically-controlled.

In some examples, the computer module 402 is removably coupled to thefirst cord segment 410. In other examples, the computer module 402 isfixedly coupled to the first cord segment 410. In some examples, thecomputer module 402 is removably coupled to the second cord segment 412.In other examples, the computer module 402 is fixedly coupled to thesecond cord segment 412. In some examples, the second cord segment 412is longer than the first cord segment 410. In other examples, the secondcord segment 412 has the same length as the first cord segment 410. Insome examples, the computer module 402 is smaller than a diameter of thefirst cord segment 410 and/or the second cord segment 412. In otherexamples, the computer module 402 is slightly larger than the first cordsegment 410 and the second cord segment 412. In some examples, the firstcord segment 410 and the second cord segment 412 appear as acontinuation cord, and the computer module 402 appears to be integratedinto the continuation cord.

FIG. 5 illustrates a media streaming device 502 fixedly coupled to apower cord segment 512 and fixedly coupled to an output cord segment 510according to an implementation. The media streaming device 502 may beany of the media streaming devices discussed with reference to any ofthe figures. Referring to FIG. 5, the power cord segment 512 may includea power cord adaptor 509 configured to be plugged into an AC wallsocket, and the output cord segment 510 may include an HDMI connector507 configured to be coupled to a receiving device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a media streaming device 602 removably coupled to apower cord segment 612 and fixedly coupled to an output cord segment 610according to an implementation. The media streaming device 602 may beany of the media streaming devices discussed with reference to any ofthe figures. Referring to FIG. 6, the power cord segment 612 may includea connector 615 (e.g., micro-USB connector) on one end portion of thepower cord segment 612, a connector 616 (e.g., USB connector) on theother end portion of the power cord segment 612, and a power plugadaptor 617 configured to be removably coupled to the connector 616. Theoutput cord segment 610 may include an HDMI connector 607 configured tobe coupled to the receiving device 104.

FIG. 7 illustrates a media streaming device 702 coupled to an outputcord segment 710 according to an implementation. Referring to FIGS. 1and 7, the media streaming device 702 may be configured to stream mediacontent, over the network 150, from the media content source 106 to thereceiving device 104. In some examples, the media streaming device 702is the media streaming device 102 of FIG. 2 or the media streamingdevice 202 of FIG. 2. The media streaming device 702 may be configuredwith wireless communication modules to communicate using Wi-Fi,Bluetooth (or other short-range protocols like Near Field Communication(NFC)), and cellular. The media streaming device 702 may be coupled toan output cord segment 710 having a HDMI connector 707. In someexamples, the media streaming device 702 may be configured with a USBpower scheme. For example, the media streaming device 702 may define aconnector slot 730 configured to receive a USB connector of the powercord segment. In some examples, the connector slot 730 is a micro-USBconnector slot configured to receive a micro-USB connector of the powercord segment. Also, the media streaming device 702 may include a resetbutton 729. When pressed, the reset button 729 is configured to startthe reset of the media streaming device 702. The reset button 729 may beconsidered part of a minimal user interface for resetting the mediastreaming device 702 or initiating a setup mode. However, the majorityof the control and interaction may be driven by other computing devicesthat communicate with it wirelessly.

The media streaming device 702 is relatively small and lightweight suchthat the media streaming device 702 can be suspended along the assembledstreaming solution. Once assembled, the user may perceive the streamingsolution (e.g., the media streaming device 702 with the output cordsegment 710 and the power cord segment) as an integrated cable assembly(or continuous cord assembly) with a power plug on one end and theoutput on the other end. For instance, when the HDMI connector 707 iscoupled to the receiving device 104 and the power cord segment iscoupled to the media streaming device 702 and the power source 108, themedia streaming device 702 is configured to be suspended at a distanceaway from the receiving device 104. The length of the output cordsegment 710 may be designed such that it is short enough to remainrelatively close to the receiving device 104 (e.g., potentially hiddenfrom the user) but long enough to reduce one or more problems associatedwith plugging the media streaming device 702 directly into the receivingdevice's HDMI port.

In some examples, when coupled to the cord segments, the media streamingdevice 702 is suspended in air. In some examples, when coupled to thecord segments, the media streaming device 702 does not contact (orotherwise rest) on the ground or another object. Rather, the mediastreaming device 702 remains at a position away from the receivingdevice 104. In some examples, the media streaming device 702 isconfigured to hang from the HDMI port of the receiving device 104. Insome examples, the media streaming device 702 is configured to hang fromthe HDMI port of the receiving device 104 at an angle. In some examples,when the streaming solution is assembled, the output cord segment 710bends (thereby creating one or more bend portions) to a certain pointsuch that the media streaming device 702 does not contact any portion ofthe receiving device 104.

As a result, the radio frequency (RF) performance may be improved. Forexample, interference from the receiving device 104 on the wirelesscommunication of the media streaming device 702 may be reduced. Also, byplacing the media streaming device 702 a distance away from thereceiving device 104, adjacent HDMI ports on the receiving device 104are not blocked by the media streaming device 702.

Furthermore, the output cord segment 710 may be flexible yet semi-rigidsuch that the output cord segment 710 can maintain a position. In someexamples, the output cord segment 710 includes a bendable material,where the output cord segment 710 is configured to hold its shape (e.g.,“Gumby” type material). As such, a user may be able to deform the outputcord segment 710 into a desired position, e.g., hide the media streamingdevice 702 from a view of the user, or increase the RF performance ofthe media streaming device 702 and/or receiving device 104. In someexamples, the output cord segment 710 includes a memory shape materialsuch as a memory shape polymer. In some examples, the output cordsegment 710 includes a memory shape metal wire. As such, the output cordsegment 710 may be configured to deflect into a bent shape whensuspended between the cord segments, but return to its original linearshape when disassembled from the receiving device 104.

In some examples, the media streaming device 702 may be substantiallycylindrical having a diameter and a sidewall 731. In some examples, themedia streaming device 702 may be mostly cylindrical with a diameterthat can be defined by the distance from the center of the mediastreaming device 702 to a point on the outer perimeter. The diameter maybe within a range of 45-55 millimeters (mm). In some examples, thediameter may be within a range of 48-53 mm. In some examples, thediameter may be approximately 51.8 mm. In some examples, the sidewall731 may have a height within a range of 5-10 mm. In some examples, theheight of the sidewall 731 may be approximately 7 mm. The above rangesand values for the diameter and the sidewall 731 of the media streamingdevice 702 may ensure that the media streaming device 702 is relativelycompact (and lightweight) so that the media streaming device 702 can besuspended between the cord segments.

The output cord segment 710 may be fixedly coupled to the mediastreaming device 702. In some examples, the output cord segment 710 isnot removable from the media streaming device 702 (e.g., without takingit apart and disassembling the media streaming device 702). In otherwords, a captive connection may be used between the output cord segment710 and the media streaming device 702. In some examples, the length ofthe output cord segment 710 may be in the range of 90-120 mm (e.g., fromthe media streaming device 702 to the HDMI connector end). In someexamples, the length of the output cord segment 710 may be in the rangeof 95-115 mm. In some examples, the length of the output cord segment710 may be approximately 110 mm. The above ranges and values for thelength of the output cord segment 710 may ensure that the mediastreaming device 702 remains relatively close to the receiving device(and/or suspended in air), but positioned a distance away from thereceiving device 104 such that wireless interference caused by thereceiving device 104 is reduced.

The output cord segment 710 may have a width that is wider than a widthof any power cord segment. In some examples, the width of the outputcord segment 710 is wider than any USB cord segment. In some examples,the output cord segment 710 is not cylindrical. Rather, the output cordsegment 710 includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface thatis opposite to the first flat surface.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the media streaming device 702according to an implementation. The media streaming device 702 mayinclude a top enclosure assembly 734, a printed circuit board assembly736, and a bottom enclosure assembly 738. The printed circuit boardassembly 736 may be disposed between the top enclosure assembly 734 andthe bottom enclosure assembly 738. As shown in FIG. 8, the output cordsegment 710 may include the HDMI connector 707, and an LVDS connector732. The LVDS connector 732 is configured to be coupled to the printedcircuit board assembly 736. In some examples, the top enclosure assembly734 and the bottom enclosure assembly 738 (when coupled together) areconfigured to enclose the LVDS connector 732, where only the cordportion extends from the outer structure of the media streaming device702. The LVDS connector 732 may have a size larger than a size of thecord portion of the output cord segment 710, but the LVDS connector 732may reside inside the overall housing structure defined by the topenclosure assembly 734 and the bottom enclosure assembly 738. In someexamples, the top enclosure assembly 734 is coupled to the bottomenclosure assembly 738 using an interference fit. In some examples, thetop enclosure assembly 734 is fused with the bottom enclosure assembly738 using ultrasonic welding (e.g., two plastic parts are fused togetherto make a bond). In some examples, the top enclosure assembly 734 iscoupled to the bottom enclosure assembly 738 using one or morefasteners. In some examples, the output cord segment 710 is coupled tothe bottom enclosure assembly 738 and the printed circuit board assembly736 with fasteners such as screws.

The bottom enclosure assembly 738 may have a cupped-shaped structureconfigured to receive the printed circuit board assembly 736. In someexamples, the bottom enclosure assembly 738 is configured to enclosemost of the printed circuit board assembly 736 (or the printed circuitboard assembly 736 in its entirety). Within the recess of the bottomenclosure assembly 738, the bottom enclosure assembly 738 may alsoinclude a thermal adhesive, a heat spreader, a thermal pad or gel, and ashield. The printed circuit board assembly 736 may include a pluralityof integrated chips coupled to a substrate (and/or both sides of thesubstrate) and one or more shields to protect the integrated chips. Thetop enclosure assembly 734 may have a disc-shaped structure configuredto be coupled to the bottom enclosure assembly 738. In some examples,the top enclosure assembly 734 may include or otherwise be coupled to afirst thermal gel, a heat spreader, and a second thermal pad or gel.

FIG. 9A illustrates an external surface 740 of the top enclosureassembly 734 of the media streaming device 702 according to animplementation. FIG. 9B illustrates an internal surface 742 of the topenclosure assembly 734 of the media streaming device 702 according to animplementation. The external surface 740 may be the surface visible tothe user, and the internal surface 742 may be the surface facing theprinted circuit board assembly 736. In some examples, the top enclosureassembly 734 may have a cylindrical shape with a sidewall 741 (e.g., thesidewall 741 may define the depth of the cylinder). In some examples,the length of the sidewall 741 may be less than the sidewall of thebottom enclosure assembly 738. The top enclosure assembly 734 may have adiameter that is the same (or substantially the same) as the diameter ofthe bottom enclosure assembly 738. Referring to FIG. 9B, the internalsurface 742 of the top enclosure assembly 734 may define a pair of heatstake components 744.

FIG. 10A illustrates an external surface 746 of the bottom enclosureassembly 738 of the media streaming device 702 according to animplementation. FIG. 10B illustrates an internal surface 748 of thebottom enclosure assembly 738 of the media streaming device 702according to an implementation. The external surface 740 may be thesurface visible to the user, and the internal surface 742 may be thesurface facing the printed circuit board assembly 736. In some examples,the bottom enclosure assembly 738 may have a cylindrical shape with asidewall 745 (e.g., the sidewall 745 may define the depth of thecylinder). In some examples, the length of the sidewall 745 may begreater than the sidewall 741 of the top enclosure assembly 734. Thebottom enclosure assembly 738 may have a diameter that is the same (orsubstantially the same) as the diameter of the top enclosure assembly734.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the bottom enclosure assembly 738 may define theconnector slot 730 configured to receive a USB connector of the powercord segment. In some examples, the connector slot 730 is a micro-USBconnector slot configured to receive a micro-USB connector of the powercord segment. Also, the bottom enclosure assembly 738 may define a resetslot 733 configured to expose the reset button 729. Further, the bottomenclosure assembly 738 may define an LVDS connector slot 747. The LVDSconnector slot 747 may be the opening in which the output cord segment710 extends from the bottom enclosure assembly 738. The LVDS connectorslot 747 may capture the HDMI cable along the cable section. In someexamples, the LVDS connector 732 is inboard of the LVDS connector slot747. In cases where the cable is not fixed, a female HDMI receptacle (orvariant) may be disposed in the LVDS connector slot 747. Referring toFIG. 10B, a pair of alignment pins 750 may be coupled to the internalsurface 748 of the bottom enclosure assembly 738. In some examples, morethan two alignment pins 750 may be used. The printed circuit boardassembly 736 may define corresponding holes (e.g., holes 754 on FIG.11A) on the substrate. The holes are configured to receive the alignmentpins 750 such that the printed circuit board assembly 736 is aligned inthe correct manner with respect to the bottom enclosure assembly 738.Also, a heat spreader 752 may be coupled to the internal surface 748 ofthe bottom enclosure assembly 738.

FIG. 11A illustrates the printed circuit board assembly 736 disassembledfrom the bottom enclosure assembly 738 according to an implementation.FIG. 11B illustrates the printed circuit board assembly 736 assembledwith the bottom enclosure assembly 738 according to an implementation.Referring to FIGS. 11A-11B, the printed circuit board assembly 736 iscoupled to the LVDS connector 732 of the output cord segment 710. Theother end of the output cord segment 710 defines the HDMI connector 707.The printed circuit board assembly 736 may be properly aligned with thebottom enclosure assembly 738 by aligning the alignment pins 750 withthe holes 754 on the printed circuit board assembly 736. As shown inFIG. 11B, the printed circuit board assembly 736 is configured to fitwithin the bottom enclosure assembly 738 such that the LVDS connector732 is contained within the bottom enclosure assembly 738.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate one side of the printed circuit board assembly736 according to an implementation. The printed circuit board assembly736 may include a two-layer shield (e.g., internal frame+cover shield)configured to protect the integrated circuits (or IC chips) of theprinted circuit board assembly 736. FIG. 12A illustrates a top side 761of the printed circuit board assembly 736 depicting one layer (internalframe 760) of the two-layer shield according to an implementation. FIG.12B illustrates the top side 761 of the printed circuit board assembly736 depicting the other layer (a cover shield 769) of the two-layershield according to an implementation. The top side 761 may beconsidered one surface of the printed circuit board assembly 736. Thetop side 761 may be considered the surface of the printed circuit boardassembly 736 facing the top enclosure assembly 734.

Referring to FIG. 12A, the top side 761 of the printed circuit boardassembly 736 may include a plurality of integrated circuits coupled to asubstrate including a system on chip (SOC) 764, a wireless communicationchip 766, and one or more power management integrated circuits (PMICs)768. In some examples, the wireless communication chip 766 may providethe logic for the Wi-Fi capabilities of the media streaming device 702.The internal frame 760 may be coupled to the printed circuit boardassembly 736. The internal frame 760 may be a metal structure configuredto surround the plurality of integrated circuits, and one or more wallsthat extend within the metal structure in order to separate one or moreintegrated circuits from other integrated circuits. For example, theinternal frame 760 may include a shield wall 763 configured to separatethe SOC 764 and the wireless communication chip 766.

Referring to FIG. 12B, the cover shield 769 may be coupled to theinternal frame 760 such that the integrated circuits are covered andprotected by the two-layer shield defined by the internal frame 760 andthe cover shield 769. In some examples, the cover shield 769 may includea metal cover that is configured to be coupled to the internal frame762. The internal frame 760 and the cover shield 769 may form two ormore separate metal enclosures configured to enclose and separate one ormore integrated circuits from other integrated circuits.

FIG. 13A-13B illustrates the other side of the printed circuit boardassembly 736 according to an implementation. For instance, the printedcircuit board assembly 736 may include another two-layer shield (e.g.,internal frame+cover shield) configured to protect the integratedcircuits of a bottom side 770 of the printed circuit board assembly 736.FIG. 13A illustrates a bottom side 770 of the printed circuit boardassembly 736 depicting one layer (internal frame 776) of the two-layershield according to an implementation. FIG. 13B illustrates the bottomside 770 of the printed circuit board assembly 736 depicting the otherlayer (cover shield 778) of the two-layer shield according to animplementation. The bottom side 770 may be considered one surface of theprinted circuit board assembly 736. The bottom side 770 may be oppositeto the top side 761 of FIGS. 12A-12B. The bottom side 770 may beconsidered the surface of the printed circuit board assembly 736 facingthe bottom enclosure assembly 738.

Referring to FIG. 13A, the bottom side 770 of the printed circuit boardassembly 736 may include a plurality of integrated circuits coupled tothe substrate including dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips 772,flash memory (NAND) 774, and PMICs 779. The internal frame 776 may becoupled to the bottom side 770 of the printed circuit board assembly 736such that a perimeter of the internal frame 776 surrounds the integratedcircuits. The internal frame 776 may be a metal structure configured tosurround the plurality of integrated circuits. In some examples, theinternal frame 776 may be a wall structure configured to provide supportfor the cover shield 778. The internal frame 776 may include a shieldwall 777 configured to separate the memory components (e.g., DRAM chips772, the flash memory 774) from the other components such as the PMICs779.

Referring to FIG. 13B, the cover shield 778 may be coupled to theinternal frame 776 such that the integrated circuits are covered andprotected by the two-layer shield defined by the internal frame 776 andthe cover shield 778. In some examples, the cover shield 778 may includea metal cover that is configured to be coupled to the internal frame776. The internal frame 776 and the cover shield 778 may form two ormore separate metal enclosures configured to enclose and separate one ormore integrated circuits from other integrated circuits.

FIG. 14A illustrates the output cord segment 710 having the HDMIconnector 707 on one end portion of the output cord segment 710 and theLVDS connector 732 on the other end of the output cord segment 710according to an implementation. The LVDS connector 732 may define a lip785 configured to engage with the bottom enclosure assembly 738 thatdefines the LVDS connector slot 747. The lip's engagement with thebottom enclosure assembly 738 ensures that the LVDS connector 732 willnot become detached from the printed circuit board assembly 736. FIG.14B illustrates an exploded view of the LVDS connector 732 according toan implementation. Referring to FIG. 14B, the LVDS connector 732 mayinclude a shield shell top 780, an LVDS plug 782, an LVDS receptacle 784coupled to a substrate 786, and a shield shell bottom 788.

FIG. 15A illustrates a perspective of a media streaming device 802 in afolded configuration according to an implementation. FIG. 15Billustrates a perspective of the media streaming device 802 in anunfolded configuration according to an implementation. FIG. 15Cillustrates another perspective of the media streaming device 802 in thefolded configuration according to an implementation. FIG. 15Dillustrates another perspective of the media streaming device 802 in theunfolded configuration according to an implementation.

Referring to FIGS. 15A-15D, the media streaming device 802 includes anoutput cord segment 810 coupled to the media streaming device 802, wherethe output cord segment 810 includes an HDMI cable end portion 811. Themedia streaming device 802 includes a bottom enclosure assembly 838 anda top enclosure assembly 834. Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15C, in thefolded configuration, the HDMI cable end portion 811 of the output cordsegment 810 is coupled to the bottom enclosure assembly 838 of the mediastreaming device 802. In some examples, the folded configuration isachieved by magnetic attraction between a magnet disposed within theHDMI cable end portion 811 and an internal metal heat spreader withinthe bottom enclosure assembly 838. Referring to FIGS. 15B and 15D, theHDMI cable end portion 811 is uncoupled to the bottom enclosure assembly838 of the output cord segment 810. In some examples, the output cordsegment 810 is biased to the unfolded configuration. In some examples,the unfolded configuration is a linear configuration.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded view of the media streaming device 802according to an implementation. Referring to FIG. 16, the mediastreaming device 802 includes the top enclosure assembly 834, the bottomenclosure assembly 838, and a printed circuit board assembly 836 to beenclosed by the top enclosure assembly 834 and the bottom enclosureassembly 838. The HDMI cable end portion 811 of the output cord segment810 may include a magnet 852. For example, the magnet 852 may bedisposed within a structure of the HDMI cable end portion 811. The topenclosure assembly 834 may be coupled to the bottom enclosure assembly838 via thread forming fasteners 850.

FIG. 17 illustrates a partially exploded view of the printed circuitboard assembly 836 according to another implementation. A first shieldcan 869-1 may be coupled to one surface of a substrate 835 of theprinted circuit board assembly 836, and a second shield can 869-2 may becoupled to the other surface of the substrate 835 of the printed circuitboard assembly 836. The substrate 835 may be any type of substratecapable of having mounted integrated circuits. In some examples, thesubstrate 835 is substantially circular. The first shield can 869-1 andthe second shield can 869-2 may protect the circuit components on bothsides of the printed circuit board assembly 836. Also, one or morethermal gels 854 may be coupled to the first shield can 869-1 and thesecond shield can 869-2.

FIG. 18A illustrates an external view of the bottom enclosure assembly838 according to an implementation. FIG. 18B illustrates an internalview of the bottom enclosure assembly 838 according to anotherimplementation. Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, the bottom enclosureassembly 838 may include a metal (e.g., steel) heat spreader 855 coupledto an internal surface 851 of the bottom enclosure assembly 838. Theheat spreader 855 may interact with the magnet 852 on the HDMI cable endportion 811 when in the folded configuration as shown in FIGS. 15A and15C. Also, the bottom enclosure assembly 838 may include a thermal gel854 coupled to the heat spreader 855. In addition, a reset button 829may be coupled to the bottom enclosure assembly 838 in order to allow auser to reset the media streaming device 802. For example, the resetbutton 829 may protrude through an opening on a sidewall 852 of thebottom enclosure assembly 838, and may be operatively coupled to theprinted circuit board assembly 836 when the components of the mediastreaming device 802 are assembled together. In addition, a light pipe856 may be coupled the bottom enclosure assembly 838 in order to allow auser to view light transmitted from the media streaming device 802. Forexample, activation of the light via the light pipe 856 may indicate anoperating status of the media streaming device 802. The light pipe 856may protrude through an opening on the sidewall 852 of the bottomenclosure assembly 838, and may be operatively coupled to the printedcircuit board assembly 836 when the components of the media streamingdevice 802 are assembled together.

FIG. 19A illustrates a top view of the printed circuit board assembly836 according to an implementation. FIG. 19B illustrates the output cordsegment 810 coupled to the printed circuit board assembly 836 withoutthe shield can 869 according to an implementation. FIG. 19C illustratesthe output cord segment 110 coupled to the printed circuit boardassembly 836 with the shield can 869 according to an implementation. Theprinted circuit board assembly 836 may include an LVDS board connector833 configured to be coupled to the LVDS connector of the output cordsegment 810. Also, the printed circuit board assembly 836 may include aninternal frame 860. The internal frame 860 may be a metal structureconfigured to surround the plurality of integrated circuits, and one ormore walls that extend within the metal structure in order to separateone or more integrated circuits from other integrated circuits. In someexamples, the printed circuit board assembly 836 may include a NANDflash 874, and system on chip (SOC) 864. Also, the printed circuit boardassembly 836 may include a micro-USB connector 875 configured to becoupled to a micro-USB connector on the power cord segment. Referring toFIG. 19C, the shield can 869 may be disposed on and surround theinternal frame 860 in order to protect the NAND flash 874 and the SOC864, as well as other circuit components.

FIG. 20A illustrates a bottom view of the printed circuit board assembly836 without the shield can 869 according to an implementation. FIG. 20Billustrates a bottom view of the printed circuit board assembly 836 withthe shield can 869 according to an implementation. The printed circuitboard assembly 836 may include a DDR memory 877 and a WiFi chip 878. Theprinted circuit board assembly 836 may include an internal frame 860configured to surround and separate the DDR memory 877 and the WiFi chip878. The shield can 869 may be disposed on and surround the internalframe 860 in order to protect the DDR memory 877 and the WiFi chip 878,as well as other circuit components, on the other side of the printedcircuit board assembly 836.

FIG. 21 illustrates an audio streaming device 902 configured to streamaudio content according to an implementation. In some examples, theaudio streaming device 902 streams the audio content, but not the videocontent. The audio streaming device 902 may seamlessly stream networkedaudio content to a wide variety of existing home speaker systems (e.g.,one or more receiving devices 104). In some examples, the audiostreaming device 902 may receive AC or DC power, provide audio outputusing a common plug format or set of formats, and support wirelessnetwork connections for control and streaming media data. The user maybe able to control the media playback on the audio streaming device 902through one or more multiple other computing devices that can usecontrol protocols. Also, the audio streaming device 902 may provide aminimal user interface for resetting the device or initiating a setupmode, but the majority of the control and interaction may be driven byother devices that communicate with the audio streaming device 902wirelessly.

The audio streaming device 902 may include a housing 903 configured tosupport and enclose a computer processing unit (CPU) 320 such as anytype of general purpose computing circuitry or special purpose logiccircuitry configured to wireless connect the audio streaming device 902with a media content source 106. In some examples, the housing 903 mayinclude a cylindrical or puck shape design. In some examples, thehousing 903 may be any of the structures described with reference to theprevious figures. The housing 903 may define a micro-USB connector slot906 configured to receive a micro-USB connector of a power cord segment.Also, the audio streaming device 902 may include an audio jack 905configured to receive an audio output cord segment 910. The audio jack905 may be optical and analog audio jack. The audio output cord segment910 may be a digital-type cord. In some examples, the audio output cordsegment 910 may be an analog-type cord.

The audio streaming device 902 may be removably coupled to the audiooutput cord segment 910. In other examples, the audio output cordsegment 910 may be fixedly coupled to the audio streaming device 902.The audio output cord segment 910 may include a first connector 907configured to be inserted and coupled to the audio jack 905 on the audiostreaming device 902, and a second connector 914 configured to becoupled to a receiving device (e.g., the receiving device 104 of FIG.1). In some examples, the audio streaming device 902 includes featuresfrom the media streaming device 302 of FIG. 3 (e.g., the CPU 320, thememory 326, the network interface 128, and the audio output circuit330).

FIG. 22 illustrates an exploded view of the audio streaming device 902according to an implementation. The audio streaming device 902 mayinclude a top enclosure assembly 934, a printed circuit board assembly936 and a bottom enclosure assembly 938. The top enclosure assembly 934may be coupled to the bottom enclosure assembly 938 via thread formingfasteners 850 such that the printed circuit board assembly 936 isdisposed within the top enclosure assembly 934 and the bottom enclosureassembly 938.

FIG. 23A illustrates a top view of the printed circuit board assembly936 according to an implementation. FIG. 23B illustrates a bottom viewof the printed circuit board assembly 936 according to animplementation. A first shield can 969-1 may be coupled to one surfaceof the printed circuit board assembly 936, and a second shield can 969-2may be coupled to the other surface of the printed circuit boardassembly 936. The first shield can 969-1 and the second shield can 969-2may protect the circuit components on both sides of the printed circuitboard assembly 936. Also, one or more thermal gels 954 may be coupled tothe first shield can 869-1 and the second shield can 869-2.

FIG. 24A illustrates an external view of the bottom enclosure assembly938 according to an implementation. FIG. 24B illustrates an internalview of the bottom enclosure assembly 938 according to anotherimplementation. Referring to FIGS. 24A and 24B, the bottom enclosureassembly 938 may include a metal (e.g., steel) heat spreader 955 coupledto an internal surface of the bottom enclosure assembly 938. Also, thebottom enclosure assembly 938 may include a thermal gel 954 coupled tothe heat spreader 955. In addition, a reset button 929 may be coupled tothe bottom enclosure assembly 938 in order to allow a user to reset theaudio streaming device 902. For example, the reset button 929 mayprotrude through an opening on a sidewall of the bottom enclosureassembly 938, and may be operatively coupled to the printed circuitboard assembly 936 when the components of the audio streaming device 902are assembled together. In addition, a light pipe 956 may be coupled thebottom enclosure assembly 938 in order to allow a user to view lighttransmitted from the audio streaming device 902. For example, activationof the light via the light pipe 956 may indicate an operating status ofthe audio streaming device 902. The light pipe 956 may protrude throughan opening on the sidewall of the bottom enclosure assembly 938, and maybe operatively coupled to the printed circuit board assembly 936 whenthe components of the audio streaming device 902 are assembled together.

FIG. 25A illustrates a top view of the printed circuit board assembly936 without a shield can 969 according to an implementation. FIG. 25Billustrates a top view of the printed circuit board assembly 936 withthe shield can 969 according to an implementation. The printed circuitboard assembly 936 may include an internal frame 960. The internal frame960 may be a metal structure configured to surround the plurality ofintegrated circuits, and one or more walls that extend within the metalstructure in order to separate one or more integrated circuits fromother integrated circuits. In some examples, the printed circuit boardassembly 936 may include a NAND flash 974, and system on chip (SOC) 964coupled to a substrate of the printed circuit board assembly 936. Also,the printed circuit board assembly 836 may include a micro-USB connector975 configured to be coupled to a micro-USB connector on the power cordsegment. The shield can 969 may be disposed on and surround the internalframe 960 in order to protect the NAND flash 974 and the SOC 964, aswell as other circuit components, on one side of the printed circuitboard assembly 936.

FIG. 26A illustrates a bottom view of the printed circuit board assembly936 without the shield can 969 according to an implementation. FIG. 26Billustrates a bottom view of the printed circuit board assembly 936 withthe shield can 969 according to an implementation. The printed circuitboard assembly 936 may include a DDR memory 977 and a WiFi chip 978disposed on a substrate of the printed circuit board assembly 936. Theprinted circuit board assembly 936 may include an internal frame 960configured to surround and separate the DDR memory 977 and the WiFi chip978. The shield can 969 may be disposed on and surround the internalframe 960 in order to protect the DDR memory 977 and the WiFi chip 978,as well as other circuit components, on the other side of the printedcircuit board assembly 936.

The printed circuit board assembly 936 may include the audio jack 905coupled to the bottom surface of the substrate at one end of printedcircuit board assembly 936, and the micro-USB connector 975 coupled tothe bottom surface of the substrate at the other end of the printedcircuit board assembly 936. The printed circuit board assembly 936 mayinclude an audio output circuit 930. In some examples, the audio outputcircuit 930 may be disclosed on the substrate outside the internal frame960 and outside the shield can 969. In some examples, the audio outputcircuit 930 may be the audio output circuit 330 discussed with referenceto FIG. 3.

The audio output circuit 930 may be configured to detect which type ofaudio output cord segment 910 is coupled to the audio streaming device902. In some examples, the audio output circuit 930 may be configured todetect whether the connected audio output cord segment 910 is adigital-type cord or an analog-type cord. Depending on the type of corddetected, the audio output circuit 930 is configured to format the audiocontent to have the appropriate format corresponding to the detectedcord type. For example, when the audio output circuit 930 detects thatthe audio output cord segment 910 is the digital-type cord, the audiooutput circuit 930 formats the audio content to a digital format. Whenthe audio output circuit 930 detects that the audio output cord segment910 is the analog-type cord, the audio output circuit 930 formats theaudio content to an analog format.

While certain features of the described implementations have beenillustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions,changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Itis, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of theembodiments. It should be understood that they have been presented byway of example only, not limitation, and various changes in form anddetails may be made. Any portion of the apparatus and/or methodsdescribed herein may be combined in any combination, except mutuallyexclusive combinations. The embodiments described herein can includevarious combinations and/or sub-combinations of the functions,components and/or features of the different embodiments described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A streaming device configured to stream mediacontent, the streaming device comprising: a housing having a topenclosure and a bottom enclosure, wherein the top enclosure is coupledto the bottom enclosure, and wherein the bottom enclosure has a sidewallthat includes (i) a first opening to an audio port configured toremovably connect to an audio rendering device and (ii) a second openingto a connector configured to removably connect to a power source; andelectronic circuitry disposed within the housing, wherein the electroniccircuitry is configured to receive audio content wirelessly from anexternal computing device over a communications network and transmit theaudio content to the audio rendering device.
 2. The streaming device ofclaim 1, wherein the connector is a universal serial bus (USB) connectorthat is configured to connect to a USB power cord of the power source.3. The streaming device of claim 1, wherein the audio port is configuredto removably connected to the audio rendering device via an externalaudio cord.
 4. The streaming device of claim 3, wherein the electroniccircuitry includes an audio output circuit that is configured todetermine whether the external audio cord, when connected to the audioport, is a digital audio cord or an analog audio cord.
 5. The streamingdevice of claim 4, wherein the digital audio cord is an optical cord. 6.The streaming device of claim 4, wherein the analog audio cord is an RCAcord.
 7. The streaming device of claim 4, wherein the audio outputcircuit is further configured to format the received audio contentaccording to a digital format in response to determining that theexternal audio cord is the digital audio cord.
 8. The streaming deviceof claim 4, wherein the audio output circuit is further configured toformat the received audio content according to an analog format inresponse to determining that the external audio cord is the analog audiocord.
 9. The streaming device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall includesa third opening to a reset button that, when pressed, is configured toreset the streaming device.
 10. The streaming device of claim 1, whereinthe sidewall includes a third opening to a button that, when pressed, isconfigured to initiate a setup mode of the streaming device.
 11. Thestreaming device of claim 1, further comprising a heat spreader coupledto an internal surface of the bottom enclosure.
 12. The streaming deviceof claim 1, wherein the bottom enclosure is a rectangular structure. 13.The streaming device of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuitry isdisposed on a printed circuit board substrate that includes a firstsurface and a second surface that opposes the first surface, wherein oneof the first surface and the second surface includes an audio outputcircuit.
 14. The streaming device of claim 1, wherein the electroniccircuitry is disposed on a printed circuit board substrate that includesa first surface and a second surface that opposes the first surface,wherein one of the first surface and the second surface includes asystem on chip.
 15. The streaming device of claim 1, wherein the printedcircuit board substrate includes a first surface and a second surfacethat opposes the first surface, wherein the first surface includes afirst integrated circuit and a second integrated circuit, and whereinthe printed circuit board substrate includes (i) an internal frame witha shield wall separating the first integrated circuit and the secondintegrated circuit and (ii) a cover shield coupled to the internal framethat covers the first integrated circuit and the second integratedcircuit.
 16. The streaming device of claim 1, further comprising a lightpipe protruding through a third opening on the sidewall of the bottomenclosure, wherein the light pipe is configured to indicate an operatingstatus of the streaming device.
 17. The streaming device of claim 1,further comprising a light pipe coupled to the bottom enclosure, whereinthe electronic circuitry is further configured to activate light throughthe light pipe such that the activation of the light through the lightpipe indicates an operating status of the streaming device.
 18. Thestreaming device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall is substantiallyperpendicular to the top enclosure and the bottom enclosure of thehousing.
 19. A streaming device configured to stream media content, thestreaming device comprising: a cylindrical housing having a topenclosure and a bottom enclosure, wherein the top enclosure is coupledto the bottom enclosure, and wherein the bottom enclosure has a sidewallthat includes (i) a first opening to an audio port configured toremovably connect to an audio rendering device and (ii) a second openingto a connector configured to removably connect to a power source; andelectronic circuitry disposed within the cylindrical housing thatincludes a system on chip, a flash memory, a wireless communicationschip, and random access memory, wherein the electronic circuitry isconfigured to receive audio content wirelessly from an externalcomputing device over a communications network and transmit the audiocontent to the audio rendering device, and wherein a first shield havinga first internal frame separates the system on chip and the flash memoryand a second shield having a second internal frame separates thewireless communications chip and the random access memory.
 20. Thestreaming device of claim 19, wherein the electronic circuitry isdisposed on a printed circuit board substrate that includes a firstsurface and a second surface that opposes the first surface, wherein thefirst surface includes the system on chip and the flash memory, andwherein the second surface includes the wireless communications chip,the random access memory, and an audio output circuit.